Padma Shri Honoree Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam Attributes Award to Mother's Influence and Lifelong Dedication
Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam, the esteemed mridangam exponent recently conferred with the Padma Shri, has expressed profound gratitude towards his mother, vocalist TR Anandavalli, for this prestigious honor. His journey to recognition is a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment, having been raised in a single-parent household after losing his father before the age of three.
A Recognition of Perseverance and Artistic Excellence
Bakthavathsalam describes the Padma Shri as an extraordinary award reserved for extraordinary artists, emphasizing the significance of receiving such accolades while still actively contributing to the field. He notes with pride that mridangam players have been honored with the Padma Shri for two consecutive years, following Guruvayur Dorai's recognition last year and his own this year. "It is a periya visesham (great distinction) that highlights the importance of percussion artists," he states, advocating for more honors in this domain.
From Humble Beginnings to a Storied Career
At 70 years old, Bakthavathsalam vows to continue playing as long as possible, drawing from six decades of rich experience. He recalls arriving in Chennai with nothing but a mridangam, not even footwear, to pursue his passion against his mother's wishes for a stable job. "Her struggles shaped me, and that choice defined who I am today," he reflects. He credits his uncle and guru, Thiruvarur Krishnamurthy, as a phenomenal player, though he notes that reluctance to embrace change may have limited his recognition.
Advice to Young Artists and Reflections on Modern Stardom
Addressing the younger generation, Bakthavathsalam cautions against the pursuit of quick awards, stressing that hard work and deep knowledge are paramount. His illustrious career includes collaborations with legends across genres, such as Zakir Hussain, Amjad Ali Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, VG Jog, Ravi Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ajoy Chakrabarty, and M Balamuralikrishna. In the film industry, he has worked with renowned composers like Shankar–Ganesh, GK Venkatesh, MS Viswanathan, and Ilaiyaraaja. He observes that while stardom was once harder to achieve without technology, today's artists benefit from greater visibility.
Career Highlights and Memorable Achievements
Among the pinnacles of his career, Bakthavathsalam highlights performing at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games opening ceremony in Barcelona as a defining moment. He also cherishes receiving an award from Maha Periyava Chandrasekharendra Saraswati in 1980–81 and being named Sangita Kalanidhi in 2021, the highest honor for a Carnatic musician.
Promoting Carnatic Music to Wider Audiences
Bakthavathsalam advocates for taking Carnatic music to the masses by increasing awareness and encouraging performances in Tamil. He believes artists have a responsibility to attract broader audiences, countering concerns that this might dilute the craft. "Only when rasikas (connoisseurs) come can we perform concerts," he asserts, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between artists and their listeners.
